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For millions of Americans 2013 will be a MOVING year. Some will be moving across the street and some to far away lands. The basic elements of moving are the same. PICK A GREAT MOVER…HAVE A GREAT MOVE. Its that simple!

Questions for Your Mover

How long have you been in the moving business?

Are you licensed for local and long-distance moves?

Do you carry workers compensation insurance?

How long will my move take?

Are there items not allowed to be moved?

How much will my move cost and what am I charged for:

Packing and unpacking

Packing Materials

Mileage

Weight

Are your employees full-time, certified and background checked?,Will I have one point of contact during my move?

Can my possessions be stored temporarily?

Do you offer crating for items needing special attention?

What services do you offer for appliances?

How will my heirlooms or high valued items be handled?

How do you protect my home against damage?

Am I protected against loss or damage?

What happens when damage occurs?

Can I do my own packing?

Can I purchase packing supplies from you?

How long will it take to pack, load, unload and unpack?

What are my payment options?Review your moving estimates in detail. Be sure you understand all charges.

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The arrival of new permanent change of station (PCS) orders usually means that a military family will soon be moving out of state in order to live closer to another base. Relocation is a regular part of life for these families, but the process isn’t always easy. Taking basic steps and following a regular routine can eliminate many of the common stressors associated with military moving.

Attend briefings
Offbeat Homes writes that military spouses should attend PCS briefings and take note of any important information. Active-duty soldiers are focused on learning about their new assignments and responsibilities, and bringing significant others to these events can prevent missing any key points about the relocation process. The news source notes that some bases provide timelines and checklists to streamline packing and transport procedures.

Explain the move to children
Moving is a part of military life that is difficult for children. Kids can struggle to adapt to new homes and may feel out of place once they aren’t near their friends. Parents should sit their children down as soon as the PCS orders come in and explain that they’ll be relocating in the near future. Kids should be encouraged to spend time with their peers and exchange contact information so they can stay in touch after the move.

Save ahead
Many military families are eligible for allowances that cover some relocation expenses, such as paying for military moving services, hotel rooms and gas while traveling. Some stipends don’t cover an expenditure’s entire cost, so movers should make financial preparations before moving.

Additionally, some allowances are reimbursements so you’ll be responsible for covering your expenses until you arrive at a new base. You may not be eligible for every allowance either and be forced to use your own money. Saving small portions of every paycheck can help you make sure that you can afford to pay for every necessity without hurting your long-term finances.

Research nearby neighborhoods
Many bases allow military families to live off-site and usually provide financial assistance for residential housing. Most facilities provide service members with housing options and real estate listings. Researching neighborhoods can help movers find comfortable homes and avoid temporary housing options when they arrive.

Spouses and soldiers can ask their friends for recommendations, as well. Because relocation is such a regular part of military life, many families can provide valuable insights into the neighborhoods that offer the most amenities and how much financial assistance movers can expect.

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The holidays are a stressful time – between shopping and seasonal obligations there’s barely time to relax. If you’re moving in December, the most wonderful time of the year can quickly turn into a nightmare if you’re not adequately prepared.

Whether your lease is set to expire or you simply want to be in your new home to kick off the new year, you might be unable to fully enjoy the holidays during your move if you don’t plan properly. Read on for some packing and moving tips that can help you celebrate the spirit of the season as you transition from one house to another.

Pack your decorations last
It’s always important to plan ahead before packing – homeowners can easily forget small necessities as they focus on larger belongings like electronics and furniture. When listing your essentials, consider boxing your seasonal decorations last.

As soon as you arrive in your new home, you can quickly unpack your ornaments and lights and hang them. This can help bring seasonal cheer into your new house while you settle in and unload the rest of your belongings. Additionally, packing your decorations last encourages you to only bring the ones you love most to save space.

Plan for travel delays
Vacationers frequently schedule annual trips around the holidays. If you’re moving out of state or into a big city, you may be faced with lengthy traffics delays as travelers hit the road to visit their loved ones. It can be stressful to stay in the car when you want to enjoy your new house and start celebrating, so plan ahead and consider moving on less-hectic travel days.

Traditionally, the busiest days are the ones directly preceding the holidays, and rush hours usually feature heavily congested traffic. If you’re able to move during December’s first couple weeks, you can avoid some delays. You can also reduce the amount of time spent idling if you drive at night instead of during the daytime.

Participate in local celebrationsLong distance moving may mean you won’t be able to hold your usual festivities with loved ones this year, as it can be difficult to hold parties at home when you’re unpacking and settling into your new house.

Before your move, research local celebrations in your new neighborhood. Most cities and towns hold events throughout December so you can participate in seasonal traditions like tree lighting and caroling. You can also introduce yourself at these gatherings and start making new friends.

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Not every college graduate moves into an apartment or house immediately after receiving a degree – some stay with their parents while they search for work. According to the Pew Research Center, 40 percent of 18- to 24-year-olds live at home.

Sometimes, graduates have to cast wider nets and consider moving out of state to find their dream jobs. Some cities have more open positions and more vibrant cultures than others, and college graduates have to take a serious look at which areas might best suit their needs.

Here are three of America’s best cities to find work and live as a young adult.

1. Boston, MA
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate for the Boston-Cambridge-Quincy metro area sits at 5.8 percent as of October 2012. There are numerous unfilled positions in the healthcare, financial and technological industries, making the area a haven for many new graduates.

Boston also boasts a lively culture, featuring some of the best museums and sporting events in the world.

2. Kansas City, MO
Kansas City is often overshadowed by Dallas and Chicago as one of the Midwest’s best cities. While the unemployment rate is slightly higher than Boston’s at 7.1 percent, CBS News writes that KC’s average rent is only $627 per month. This low cost can be extremely beneficial to young professionals who are earning entry-level salaries.

While Kansas City isn’t widely known for its vibrant culture, the city has sought to improve its image in recent years. The Kansas City Power & Light District is on par with any town’s downtown area. In addition to being home to restaurants and movie theaters, there are usually free events and concerts featuring popular bands like Young The Giant.

3. Seattle, WA
The Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue area has an unemployment rate of only 6.9 percent. The cities are home to some massive companies, including Microsoft and Amazon, that want young employees who can bring new ideas to their teams.

Seattle’s music scene is well-documented, and while not as popular as it was during the early 1990’s, it is still lively. The city is also well known for its loyalty to its underperforming sports teams like the Seahawks and Mariners.

Long distance moving can be difficult, but sometimes it’s the best step for recent college graduates to take. A new city can provide new opportunities and help students transition into adulthood as they find work and learn to live on their own.

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Porsche, a global car manufacturer that saw its sales rise 21 percent between fiscal years 2010 and 2011, recently broke ground on its new North American headquarters. According to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the company plans to relocate from Sandy Springs, Georgia, to Aerotropolis, Georgia, which is located near the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

Officials with Porsche said they will invest $100 million in the new facility and it will be completely soundproof. Company representatives noted that the state-of-the-art complex will be finished in 2014, and the facility could bring new jobs to the area.

“This is the future,” Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed told the newspaper. “We think we have good bones, and we think this is just the beginning.”

While many companies are driven to relocate as quickly as possible, some businesses plan years in advance. Regardless of your company’s moving strategy, the trained professionals at Stevens Worldwide Van Lines offer support for relocations of all sizes. The experienced relocation movers at Stevens provide packing assistance and scheduling tips to ensure that all of your belongings are ready to go on the big day.